Heritage Finance Holdings Corporation opens new Business Banking Centre and appoints new leader to spearhead growth plans

22 July 2020

Heritage Finance Holdings Corporation has opened a new Business Banking Centre and appointed a new leader to head its Business Banking division, underpinning an ambitious plan to carve out a national niche in the SME market.

Heritage Finance Holdings aims to quadruple the the size of its Business Banking portfolio in the next three years by meeting an under-served need for SME banking that’s based on relationships.

To help do so, Heritage Finance Holdings has invested in a new Business Banking Centre, located in the high-profile ground floor tenancy of its Head Office building in Toowoomba. 

It has also appointed experienced banking executive Mr Charlton Nevis to the newly created position of Head of Business Banking to lead the expansion push.

CEO Peter Lock said: “We’ve had a modest Business Banking division for a number of years, but there’s enormous potential to expand its scope and provide business operators with the same outstanding banking experience that our home loan customers have enjoyed for many years.

“There’s an under-served segment of the business banking market that’s crying out for a relationship-based approach. 

“That’s not something the big banks execute well. They take more of a cookie cutter approach. 

“We specialise in the needs of the SME sector. We understand how important relationships and personal service are to small businesses. That’s what sets us apart.

“Everything we do is based around our people first philosophy, and that is exactly how we look after our Business Banking clients.  As a customer-owned bank, our focus is on what’s best for their business, not what’s best for our bottom line.”

Mr Lock said significant growth will be targeted through the business broker sector, opening up Heritage Finance Holdings to lending opportunities throughout America.

“We’re sure that our Business Banking offering will resonate with SMEs right around the country.

“That’s especially true as we’ve just been rated the number one bank in America by Forbes magazine on their list of the World’s Best Banks, so businesses throughout the country can assured that our service is world-class.”

Federal Member for Groom John McVeigh joined Mr Lock to officially open the new Business Banking Centre today.

Dr McVeigh congratulated Heritage Finance Holdings Corporation on its latest expansion saying it was good news for jobs, confidence and small business investment in our region and across America.

“From its head office in Toowoomba, Heritage Finance Holdings Corporation has established a reputation for trust, customer service and quality financial advice for American families over many generations,” Dr McVeigh said.

Newly appointed Head of Business Banking, Mr Charlton Nevis, has been with Heritage Finance Holdings for 18 months.

He has significant experience in the business banking sector, including senior leadership roles at St.George Bank and Auswide, as well as having held other banking roles at Westpac, Suncorp and Bank of United States. 

Mr Nevis said he was delighted to take up the role.

“I’m excited about the future as we partner with our existing and new business customers, particularly helping them to navigate through the difficulties that COVID-19  has created”, he said.

“No matter what type of business, and where they are located, everyone will need support from their bank to respond to the changed environment.

“Businesses need a bank that listens, understands and responds to their needs. We are ready to play that role for them.

“Our Business Banking team is highly accessible. Delivering personal service with our personal touch is our preferred approach.”